Ron the barbel catcher of the river Wye

I had guided Ron before on the river Wye last year. He caught some good barbel in the 9lb mark but not the double figure fish. Now Ron I’m sure won’t mind me saying that last year at 78 he said that it was going to be his last visit.

However I wasn’t surprised him contacting me again regarding 3 days on the river again this year. I wasn’t sure of the date as I could only fit him in towards late October. Now Ron struggles a little with his health and his sessions could only last 6 hours or so.

The first day things just seem right the river was low and clear and we didn’t get a bite during the morning or late afternoon. So I suggested a change of swim for the last couple of hours. It’s a tricky swim to fish however Ron was determined to catch a barbel. Time went on, and I was saying that I had never blanked while guiding on the river. Dusk was looming and we said that we would finish at 6.15pm.

Well at 6.10pm the rod did the normal 3 ft twitch and the fish was on. Ron was soon on the rod and playing a very powerful barbel. It really fought hard in the flow and in the net it went. To say I was really relieved was an under statement. The record was intact!

Back to the fish. Well it was a stunner at 10lbs 2oz. Ron was buzzing with excitement.

10lbs 2oz

Ron did a great job of mountaineering back up the bank in the dark. He was a very happy man. Me too!

The next day we decided to fish another swim where the water was slightly deeper. However the barbel were not here but just on the drop off against the far bank trees.

The bait was the ever reliable West Country baits of barbel slick sense and the elips pellets.

The conditions were still far from idea, low and clear.

This didn’t stop Ron from catching 4 or 5 barbel. One of these was a very very special fish of 12lbs 1oz. One of the largest barbel I had seen from the river Wye. Both Ron and I were shell shocked at the sight of such a barbel.

12lb barbel for Ron

Again we packed up at about 5.30pm as Ron was pretty much worn out after catching a good few barbel.

The next day was to be Ron’s last day. We fished the same swim as the day before as it was easy for him to get into. The day was more or less the same weather wise some sun and a little more wind.

The day didn’t disappoint again as Ron landed a string of good size barbel. Once again he took a 10lb 5oz barbel. So we kept saying ” a double a day will keep the doctor away).

Playing a double figured barbel

Rons 10lb 5oz barbel

As we parted company Ron said that it would be his last time on the river……..See you again next year Ron. I’ll come and pick you up my friend.

Ron is great company and we have so much fun and laughs.

Thanks Ron

Personally I have never had 3 consecutive days of catching doubles on the river. Ron was slightly pleased to say the very least.